Launched during National Library Week, Chromebook laptops lending will provide residents with internet connectivity and equitable access to technology
MIAMI ( April 08, 2022 ) —
The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is now offering 2,000 Chromebook laptops with free built-in internet access for checkout as part of its Community Internet Connectivity Initiative Mobile Device Lending Program to help provide equitable access to the internet and technology for all Miami-Dade County residents. The Chromebooks lending launch coincides with National Library Week (April 3-9, 2022), which this year encourages residents to “Connect With Your Library” to access technology, resources and services that meet their needs and explore the endless opportunities available to them through their local public library.
“Internet and technology access are essential for everyone. Without it, residents face an uphill climb to advance at school and work, and are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing basic services,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Having Chromebook laptops available as part of the Community Internet Connectivity Initiative at our Miami-Dade Public Libraries creates one more tool to help narrow the digital divide for individuals and families, by offering access to technology that would otherwise be unattainable.”
Library cardholders can borrow a Chromebook laptop with built-in internet access and Wi-Fi capability from any library location for up to 30 days at a time and renew it up to three times after the original due date if no other customers are waiting. The Chromebooks also come preloaded with several Library apps and bookmarks for enjoying eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music and more, plus a variety of social media, meeting and entertainment apps.
“Miami-Dade Libraries continue to provide creative ways for our residents to have access to technology inside and outside of our libraries,” said Library Director Ray Baker. “Adding Chromebook laptops to our Mobile Device Lending Program is another option to help residents to stay connected. All they need is a library card.”
Patrons can check the availability of Chromebooks at their nearest branch by searching “Acer Chromebook” in the library’s online catalog at www.mdpls.org, calling 305-375-2665 or emailing [email protected].
Miami-Dade Public Libraries is also bringing Chromebooks into the community to further engage and provide residents with technology. Patrons can check out a Chromebook from the Library’s Bookmobile at stops throughout the County, including the following locations:
Friday, April 8
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Morningside Park
750 NE 55 Terrace
Miami 33137
Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Miami International Agriculture, Horse & Cattle Show
Tropical Park
7900 SW 40 Street
Miami 33155
Monday, April 11
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Demps Park (formerly Goulds Park)
11350 SW 216 Street
Miami 33170
Tuesday, April 12
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW 12 Street
Miami 33172
Wednesday, April 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Oak Grove Park
690 NE 159 Street
Miami 33162
Thursday, April 14
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Southland Mall
20505 S Dixie Highway
Miami 33189
Friday, April 15
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Margaret Pace Park
1745 N Bayshore Drive
Miami 33132
Friday, April 15
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Florida City City Hall
404 W Palm Drive
Florida City 33034
To see the entire Bookmobile schedule, visit www.mdpls.org/mobile-library.
The Chromebooks are funded by a grant from the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund authorized by Congress as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The Library’s Mobile Device Lending Program also includes Wi-Fi hotspots that can connect up to 15 mobile devices to the internet at the same time and tablets with built-in wireless internet access and Wi-Fi capability. The Mobile Device Lending Program, along with the Library’s Drive-up Wi-Fi service at 22 library locations, which allows residents to connect to free Wi-Fi from the comfort of their vehicles, is part of the Library’s Community Internet Connectivity Initiative to provide more digital connectivity options for residents and equitable access to technology.
Residents who do not have a library card can sign up for one by visiting any library location or registering for an eCard (electronic card) online at eCard.mdpls.org. eCard holders will be asked to verify their address at the branch prior to checking out a mobile device.
About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The mission of the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is to provide extraordinary services, spaces and experiences that promote literacy and learning, personal growth and limitless opportunities. MDPLS is recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. MDPLS has been honored with an Urban Libraries Council 2020 Innovation Award as Top Innovator in the Civic and Community Engagement category and awarded 59 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards over the past five years. MDPLS has also received the Florida Library Association (FLA) Award for Exemplary Instructional Programs or Services for its Climate of Art Program in 2021 and Homework Help and Tutoring Program in 2020, FLA Library Innovation Award for its Technobus in 2019 and the FLA Award for Excellence in Marketing and Public Relations in 2018. Learn more at www.mdpls.org.